The Japanese company Toyota manufactures the Highlander, a mid-size SUV. The Highlander drives similar to a car, but with the cargo capacity and look of an SUV. As of 2010, Toyota has experienced a number of mechanical and electrical problems with its vehicles, which the company is working to repair. The Toyota Highlander's electrical problems go back several years.
Owners of the 2004 Highlander report several electrical problems arising from the GPS system being linked with other components. Problems such as heaters blowing cold air, signal lights malfunctioning or failing and non-functioning clocks and radios were all tied to problems with the GPS system. Often, the GPS system is no longer under warranty for the 2004.
Toyota has recalled a number of vehicles because of accelerators becoming stuck, and any Highlander owner must check with Toyota to see if his accelerator needs to be repaired. The Highlander also has a problem with transmission hesitation when the accelerator is pressed. This is sometimes resolved by having the vehicle's software diagnosed and reset.
Sensor problems in the Highlander's computer have caused the vehicle's stability control system to malfunction. Sensors have also been reported to turn on all the warning lights for no reason or turn on and off intermittently. The sensor requires recalibration by a trained mechanic.
Several owners report their Highlanders' engines shutting off when the vehicle reached speeds above 55 mph. The engine stalls, leaving the driver coasting. Mechanics found this to be caused by an electrical problem draining the battery. The Hybrid Highlander experiences a similar problem in which all warning lights come on before the hybrid system completely shuts down because of an electrical problem.
